Retail and wholesale industry one of most stressful in UK

The wholesale and retail trade has been rated as being one of the most stressful industries in the UK.

Coming just outside the top 10, 1310 people per 100,000 workers in this industry have been impacted by stress at work, according to a recent study.

The study, conducted by QR Code Generator, examined data from the Health and Safety Executive to determine the number of self-reported illnesses per 100,000 workers. Data was analysed to examine the number of stress-related illnesses caused or worsened by employment per 100,000 workers form March 2023 to March 2024, with the highest number of stress illnesses determining the ranking.

The accommodation and food service industry was ranked at number 10, with 1380 people per 100,000 workers in this industry suffering from work-related stress over the 12-month span.

The most stressful industry to work in was revealed as being the public administration and defence industry, with 3840 people per 100,000 workers having been impacted by stress at work.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, said it was “incredibly alarming” to see the industries with the highest rates of employee stress.

“This study serves as a reminder that employers need to be doing more when it comes to protecting their employees’ mental health in the workplace,” he said.

“One of the main ways this can be done is to regularly check in with employees, aiming to create an open environment to discuss thoughts and feelings.”